Sign Up for HCL's Summer Blood Drive on 7/17

Sign Up for HCL's Summer Blood Drive on 7/17

Jul 05, 2017

You can save lives in only a few minutes of your time! There is such a need for donated blood. According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds! Giving blood is a truly impactful way to make a difference in the world for Christ, so what are you waiting for? Sign up for HCL's Summer Blood Drive on Monday, July 17th from 2:30-6:30pm in Fellowship Hall.

To sign up for an appointment,click here, but don't stop there! Bring your friends and family who want to be a blessing to the people whose lives depend on it. Worried because it's your first time? Don't be! It's easy to give blood! If you're wondering what to expect, here is an overview of the process from the Blood Center of Wisconsin:

Registration. When you come to a donor center or a blood drive at your business or community organization, you’ll be asked for identification such as a blood donor card, driver’s license, government-issued ID or any other form of identification that shows your picture, birth date and address. You will be asked to provide basic personal information (name, address, phone). Then, in a private room, you will answer health-related questions. You will use a computer-based system and will be asked to select “yes” or “no” for each question. Some of the questions ask about travel to foreign countries or medications you may have recently taken. If you’d like to see some of the questions, go to the eligibility section. Like all other blood bank organizations, we are required to ask these questions to help ensure the safety of the blood supply.

Medical review. Next, you’ll meet privately with a donor specialist who will conduct a “mini physical.” Your blood pressure, temperature and pulse will be taken. He or she will also take a small drop of blood from your finger to test your blood count. The donor specialist will then review your answers to the health-related questions to ensure that donating is right for you and right for the patients who could receive your blood.

Donate blood. Your actual donation itself takes approximately 10 minutes, although the entire process takes about 1 hour. The average adult has about 10 to 11 pints of blood. During a whole blood donation, about one pint is drawn. You might feel a pinch at first, but then it’s gone. All you have to do is gently squeeze a ball every few seconds until your blood donation is complete. Some people are afraid of this step, but donating blood really doesn’t hurt. And think of the all the patients you’re helping.

In three easy steps, you can make a huge difference in others' lives! For the best experience possible, you'll also want to be sure to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal at least one hour before donating and make sure you are well hydrated.

So what are you waiting for?Click hereand sign up for your appointment now! If you have any questions, contact Julie Crowe at 414-529-6700.